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6.2.13

Holiday sewing - Miss Chalmer's Skirt

Well, hello there! So, it's been a while.

Mostly I have been away. I was away for all those fabulous 2012 round-up posts, which I was just able to read on the tiny screen of a phone.

I was able to borrow a sewing machine most places I went, so I have a lot to show you. Not to mention the Christmas sewing that has not been documented yet. Photos are my hold-up - I realised today that the problem is that I don't have a good spot at home to take photos.

Since I got back, I have started a 5-day-a-week job. This is seriously cramping my sewing and blogging style...which is why my comments on your posts are getting sparse. I would like to spend more time on other people's blogs, but sadly, something has to give at the moment. Perhaps when I get a little more organised...

Onto the projects!

This one is Miss Chalmer's skirt, from Papercut patterns. I got the pattern from the Home Sewn magazine, but you can buy it individually.

On the size chart, I measured between an S and an M. I sewed up the S. I didn't make a muslin, but I did add some length to the sides, to account for my pear shape, which is my usual alteration. I added it to the top of the skirt portion, below the yoke.

Looking at these photos, the skirt is less fitted than I realised. It is certainly not as tight as the skirt on the pattern model, but if you look at the pattern promo photos, the model is standing with her legs apart, so it is probably a looser fit on her than first appears.

I changed the invisible zipper to a lapped zipper. I'm pretty pleased how this turned out, given that I did not have a zipper foot for the borrowed machine.

The fabric is a cotton from Spotlight, which I bought after seeing Belinda's version.

A nice, quick sew, which has been worn so much that it already has ice-cream and raspberry stains.

I have made the cover dress, which I will post here eventually. It is more arty than everyday wear. Of the other patterns in the magazine, 3 are for t-shirts that have cut-on sleeves. It would have been nice if one of them had set-in or raglan sleeves. There is a knit jump suit. There is another cute skirt, but it is fairly simple. One sack dress. I guess the magazine is aimed at young creative types who do more with pizzazz than patterns. Also, most patterns only come in one size, although it is a medium size. So, I couldn't whole-heartedly recommend it, but I have enjoyed reading it.

Hi, after reading about your skirt, I looked up the book on the website but I couldn't see the pictures because they were too tiny. Then today I had to have x-rays at a place next door to The Fabric Store and went inside (how could I not) and they have the book there for sale with one there to view. I thought it was disappointing too. Other than the skirt you have made and the jumpsuit, the other patterns are too basic or arty. I thought the stories in the book were interesting but if I was those designers I'd be embarrassed with those patterns. Of course I bought fabric!

Lovely to see you back in blogging action! I know exactly what you're going through with work taking over - I was just thinking how terrible I was for not bothering to email you and say a big THANKS! for sending me your elle mc p knickers pattern! So much appreciated... just as soon as I get two seconds to actually sew something together :)It's a gorgeous skirt - love the pattern on the fabric too!

Hi - nice skirt, I have admired this one from Papercut, then i realised it was very similar to a simplicity pattern I have, 2451 (which is very similar in cut, but has the added advantage of pockets!). I made this pattern twice two years ago, and then resurrected the pattern to use up some pale blue from my stash (I got a skirt length from Lincraft many years ago, a fabric they marketed as "Sunlin". Not linen but some sort of synthetic I think, breathable and less prone to crushing). This time I lined the skirt, which will make it more of an all seasons skirt (pale blue will still work in winter!).

Love reading your blog - I hope the day job doesn't get in your way too much!